Captain Tobias "chuffed to bits" to be youngest EVER Queen's Honours recipient
11-year-old Tobias Weller, from Sheffield, has been awarded a British Empire Medal, for fundraising during the pandemic
An 11-year-old boy from Sheffield says he is "chuffed to bits" to become the youngest person to ever be recognised in the Queen's honours list.
Tobias Weller has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year honours, for his huge fundraising efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He has cerebral palsy, and is autistic, and in 2020, completed a marathon on his street, by walking as far as he could each day, for 70 days in a row.
Inspired by Captain Tom, he became known as Captain Tobias.
Recognition from the Queen is "such a massive privilege"
Tobias was told about receiving a BEM on Christmas day, by his mum. Speaking to Cool FM about the honour, he said: "It feels absolutely amazing to be honoured by the Queen. I thought 'wow! I'm actually going to be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen!' I am so excited.
"I have never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd get an honour from the Queen. I'm just a kid who started walking up and down the street to raise money for charity. I feel so honoured: it's such a massive privilege.
"Understandably, I'm chuffed to bits to be the youngest recipient of such an incredible honour from the Queen. I don't know if I could inspire other children to fundraise and complete challenges, but it would be absolutely amazing if I could. Wow, that would be incredible!"
Tobias' mum "almost speechless" with pride
Tobias' mum, Ruth, told Cool FM she was "overwhelmed" when she heard about the honour: "It's such a massive thing isn't it, and it's such a privilege. I'm so so proud of him. I'm delighted that his hard work is being recognised through an award, but being recognised by the Queen... it's different level, isn't it?
"When Tobias started walking up and down our street back in March 2020, I never dreamed anything like this would happen. I always knew he was going to incredible things in his life, I just didn't realise he was going to do them so early! He was nine years old and he walked up and down the street every single day for 70 days. He inspired so many people and made so may people happy.
"When I reflect on the fact that he's the youngest recipient on record for an honour from the Queen, I can't quite get my head around it. It's such an amazing thing, it's such a privilege. It leaves me almost speechless. I'm just so proud of him."
Tobias is planning to continue fundraising, and is currently planning an event for the Spring, Tea in the Park, comprising of a one-kilometre sponsored walk for lots of children and adults, raising money for charities and awareness.
Ruth added: "He's got lots more planned. I don't think there's any stopping him now. He's just loving it."